Chapter 576

Oliver Sinclair leaped off the bed, his eyes wide with determination.

He tilted his head and pouted at Preston. "No way! Pretty Lady is mine and only mine!"

"That Mean Man can't get anywhere near her! I won't allow it!"

This was Oliver's rare chance to spend time alone with Evelyn since his father was away. He wasn't about to let anyone ruin it.

"Mean Man won't get a single second with my Pretty Lady," Oliver thought stubbornly.

Preston smirked at the boy's defiant expression.

"Perfect. With my son guarding Evelyn, I can handle my overseas business without worry."

Satisfied, Preston turned and left the room.

Oliver immediately called his nanny and bodyguard to pack his things. He even dialed Evelyn himself to announce he'd be arriving at her place alone the next day—no need for arrangements.

He couldn't wait to see her.

At dawn, the Sterling Manor gates swung open.

Oliver stood in the living room, backpack in hand, facing a barely awake Lucas Sterling. Without warning, the boy dashed forward and hugged Lucas's legs, beaming. "Good morning, third brother!"

Lucas blinked. "Since when is this kid so sweet? Is his entire personality made of sugar?"

He chuckled and pinched Oliver's cheeks. "You should call me Uncle Lucas."

(After all, your dad is chasing my sister...)

Oliver shook his head stubbornly. "Pretty Lady's brother is my brother too!"

Lucas played along for a bit before grabbing his things and heading out.

Evelyn came downstairs moments later, her heart melting at the sight of Oliver quietly playing with his toys on the floor.

She had prepared a room for him, but when it was time to leave, he insisted on following her.

Evelyn sighed. Not wanting him to be lonely, she took him to the office.

Work consumed her the moment she stepped inside. Thankfully, Oliver behaved, silently doing his online classes in the corner.

At noon, she took him to a nearby restaurant for lunch.

And of course, Nathan Blackwood was there.

Nathan lounged in the lobby, cigarette between his fingers, dressed in all black. His stern expression made the man across from him visibly nervous.

Then he spotted Evelyn.

A flicker of delight crossed his face as he stubbed out the cigarette and stood, his demeanor shifting instantly to charming.

The man opposite him gaped at the sudden transformation.

"Darling, fate keeps bringing us together. Seeing you is the highlight of my day."

Evelyn's expression turned icy.

"Darling?"

The nickname made her want to gag.

She rolled her eyes. "Unfortunately, it's the worst part of mine."

Nathan's smile faltered, but he didn't back down.

(Theodore had reminded him—if Evelyn rejected him, he had to double his efforts. Eventually, she'd soften.)

With that in mind, Nathan pulled out a chair for her.

The man across the table scrambled to his feet. "Mr. Blackwood, I'll... reschedule. Goodbye."

Nathan barely acknowledged him as the man fled.

Evelyn ignored the offered seat, choosing one opposite Nathan instead.

He considered sitting there himself—until Oliver darted over and plopped into the chair.

Nathan clenched his jaw. This brat was just like Preston Sinclair—always stealing what was his.

Oliver swung his legs, grinning. "Mr. Blackwood, looks like there's no seat left for you."